Procurement Leaders Unite Amid South Africa’s Supply Chain Challenges
The Smart Procurement World Indaba drew a record 3,200 delegates and 2,200 Expo visitors, cementing its place as South Africa’s top procurement event.
The 2025 Smart Procurement World Indaba in Johannesburg wasn’t just another industry event; it was a powerful statement about the future of procurement in South Africa and across Africa, with over 3,200 delegates and 1,000 procurement professionals in attendance.
According to the CEO Debbie Tagg, the procurement function has entered a new era of leadership and impact.
“Procurement has entered a new era of leadership and impact. It is no longer a back-office function. It is a strategic powerhouse driving agility, innovation and transformation,” Tagg said.
This year’s discussions highlighted how procurement now drives economic growth, efficient public spending, and social development goals, all critical priorities in South Africa’s current economic climate.
A standout presentation came from Collette Yende, Chief Procurement Officer at Transnet Engineering, who emphasized that strategic procurement can unlock both national growth and private sector investment.
She argued that procurement professionals must move beyond “order processing” to become strategic partners in shaping business outcomes.
“Procurement should no longer just process orders or chase the lowest quotes,” Yende explained. “It must position itself as a partner in shaping business outcomes.”
She also underscored the importance of aligning procurement strategies with investor priorities, including ESG standards, governance, and financial discipline, a move that strengthens trust and attracts investment.
Yende highlighted tools like framework contracts and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as effective ways to improve predictability, reduce red tape, and drive collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Examples shared from across Africa, such as South Africa’s Renewable Energy PPPs, Kenya’s e-procurement system, and Rwanda’s infrastructure PPPs, showed how strategic procurement can accelerate progress and build trust.
Shaun Scott, MD of Worldwide Integrated Logistics, unpacked the real-world implications of the Public Procurement Act. He noted that while it introduces more complexity, it also gives professionals a genuine opportunity to elevate the profession and drive better governance and outcomes.
Another highlight was Michael Sudarkasa, Chairman of the Africa Business Group, who challenged delegates to rethink Africa’s global trade strategy.
“Expand your horizons and think East — Middle, Far, and South,” he advised.
Sudarkasa urged procurement leaders to explore partnerships with countries such as India, China, Japan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, while also promoting regional value chain development and infrastructure investment across Africa.
